Activities

The Taranaki region offers a wide range of activities to suit every interest and we are always happy to share our local knowledge to ensure you enjoy your visit. Here are some of our guests’ favourite activities. Additional information can be found on the Venture Taranaki and New Plymouth Activities sites.

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Beach

At Ahu Ahu you have easy walking access to the beach for swimming, beach combing, checking the shipwreck or strolling in the sunset. Many people enjoy storm watching and the special character winter brings to the coast. And yes, that is an actual, untouched photo of a local sunset!

Firepit

A special place to watch the moon rise and to enjoy wine, food and conversation. Some of the firepit stories are tall, many personal. We have a saying: “What’s said in the firepit stays in the firepit”.

Surf

Taranaki has the most consistent surf in New Zealand. Right here we have three good surf breaks, ranging from a perfect learners/longboard wave through to a radical right hander which works on a large swell. Our breaks are offshore on a south/west wind but 35 minutes away you can find offshores at Opunake with a north/easterly wind. Stent Road is 15-20 minutes drive away and Rocky Point, Puniho and the Kumara Patch are between here and Stent Road.

Wind/Kite Surf

Our prevailing south-west wind combined with good waves makes the Ahu Ahu Bay a favourite with windsurfers and kitesurfers, who at times create a marvelous spectacle. Take it to the next level and visit Sirocco Surf to explore your options for a finely tuned, high performance custom board shaped to order by legendary master craftsman Biggie (David) Smithers.

Walk/Tramp

There are many wonderful walks, to suit every fitness level, within close proximity to Ahu Ahu. Detailed information can be found on the Walk Taranaki section of the Venture Taranaki site.

Gardens

World Class Gardens are in abundance here in Taranaki. Two of the best Ngamamku & Pukeiti are only minutes away by car. The annual Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular is the premier spring festival in all of New Zealand.

Golf

There are 17 Golf Courses around the mountain with a well-groomed 18 hole golf course only 5 mins drive away.

Cycle

If you choose to bring a bike you can just jump on and ride. We have four bikes and there are also a number of places you can hire a bike in New Plymouth and ride the 11km long coastal walkway, a popular pastime for both locals and visitors. If you are into mountain biking there is a dedicated track at Lake Mangamahoe which is open to the public.

Rivers

There is nothing nicer than chilling out beside a cool mountain river in the summertime. Water quality is a hot topic in Taranaki and fortunately we still have rivers which are great to swim in. The Whenuariki Stream (great for children) and Timaru rivers are both within walking distance of the Villas and there are other fabulous options we can tell you about while here.

Fish

Ahu Ahu Bay, or Oraukawa as it is named by the Maori, is the most sheltered natural boat launching site on the Taranaki coast. It is from here we launch our small boat to go fishing for Snapper, Kahawai, Blue Cod, Gurnard, Crayfish, Tuna, Kingfish and whatever else we are fortunate to catch. We sometimes see dolphins and have had several wonderful close encounters with whales.

Arts, Culture & Heritage

In addition to renowned museums and art galleries we have numerous outstanding artists in Taranaki, many of these you can visit in their homes. Check our friend Caz Novak’s website as an example. Caz’s work has been featured in major publications and is held in private collections around the world. Maori had and still have a significant presence in Taranaki. Culturally significant historic sites such as Koru Pa are close by and well worth a visit. The heart rending but spiritually uplifting story of Parihaka and its Prophets is one worth exploring while here in Taranaki.

Relax

Here at AhuAhu this is what it’s all about. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a sleep in, then lie in the window seat and read a good book. Take time to enjoy a latte at a funky café, and then partake of the activities mentioned above, or not. Finish the day by watching the sunset over the western horizon. We have a great spot to catch the Green Flash, that small green light which often appears at the last glimpse of the sun setting on the sea with a clear horizon.

The beach village of Oakura is close by with restaurants, pub, café, fish & chips, chemist, craft shops, garage & general store.